Language and grammar Flashcards
Characteristics of language
- Abstract- to ideas or concepts; they have no physical referents.
- Social- a set of conventional communicative signals used by humans for communication in a community.
- Symbolic- It consists of different types of sound symbols for concepts, things, ideas, object etc. Has sounds and words as their symbols.
- Systematic - a highly organized system in which each unit plays an important part which is related to other parts.
- A means of communication- the most powerful, convenient and permanent means and form of communication. The best means of self-expression.
Language and culture
- A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.
- When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behavior. When learning or teaching a language, it is important that the culture where the language belongs be referenced, because language is very much ingrained in the culture.
Barriers in language
- Difference in language
- Regional Accents, Dialects and Pidgin
- No clear speech
- Use of jargons and slang
- Word choice
- Literacy and Linguistic Ability
- Grammar and spelling
Basic grammar rules
- Spelling errors
- Run-on sentences
- Verb tense
- Plural and possessive
- Capitalization
- Punctuation
Descriptive language
Descriptive writing is the equivalent of drawing with words instead of lines and colors
Vivid description
writing which makes you feel as if you are standing there, right there where the author has just described something. Vivid description appeals to the senses — eyes, nose, ears, skin, etc.
Euphemism
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Connotation
a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries. It can often be described as either positive or negative. with regard to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection
Denotation
the literal meaning or “dictionary definition” of a term, devoid of emotion, attitude, and color.
Formal language
- When you are communicating with someone that you don’t know very well
- Business emails
- Academic writing/ articles
- Professional academic situations
- Presentations
- Reports
- Public tenders
- Official documents
- Talking to superiors
- Legal documents
- Public speaking (speeches, lectures, etc.)
- Job interviews
Informal language
- Situations that are more relaxed and that involve people that you know well or know each other well.
- Some business correspondence
- In everyday conversations
- Personal emails
- Social media
- Advertising
- Spontaneous speech
- Text messages
- Talking to peers
- Some meeting minutes
- Networking or socializing with clients
- Team meetings
